Several inorganic materials are widely used for their antimicrobial properties. Two that we investigate are silver and copper. Manipulating these elements in nano-scale materials introduces unique properties and mechanisms of interaction with microorganisms. The aim of our research is to uncover underlying mechanisms of these interactions and link them to specific nanomaterial properties so that we can tune behavior for specific applications. We are particularly interested in approaching this research through the lens of antimicrobial resistance, the need to develop effective alternative antimicrobials, and the potential for nano-enable solutions to tackle this global challenge. ​